The USD 508 board of education held a regular meeting on Monday, October 9, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. at 1108 Military Ave. Members present were: DeAnne Binns, Linda Crotts, Casey Eaton, Kerri Jensen, Josh Sweaney, Jami Thiessen and Carrie Williams. Also present were: David Pendergraft, Superintendent, Carrie Oakes, Board Clerk, Cory White, HS Principal, Jason Walker, MS Principal, Kevin Wade, CS Principal, Kenny Boeckman, LS Principal, Art Roberts, Alternative Learning Director, Arthur Commons, Curriculum Coordinator and Pastor Bill Whetstone, Baxter Springs Church of the Nazarene.

President Eaton called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.

Josh Sweaney led the board and guests in the pledge of allegiance and Bill Whetstone led in prayer.

Jami Thiessen made a motion to approve the agenda as presented. Josh Sweaney seconded. Carried 7-0.

Kerri Jensen made a motion to approve the consent agenda which included approval of the bills, approval of minutes from September 11 and approval of the treasurer’s report. Linda Crotts seconded. Carried 7-0.

Superintendent Pendergraft updated the board on KASB policy updates.

Jami Thiessen made a motion to accept Sections A & B in the district policy book as read. Linda Crotts seconded. Carried 7-0

Superintendent Pendergraft updated the board on open enrollment and a visit from KASB.

Linda Crotts made a motion to enter into executive session to discuss an individual employee to the non-elected personnel exception under KOMA, and the open meeting will resume in 10 minutes in the boardroom. This meeting is to include the board, Superintendent and administrators as needed. Kerri Jensen seconded. Carried 7-0.

6:57 p.m. Enter executive session. 7:07 p.m. Resume regular session.

Superintendent Pendergraft presented a retirement letter from Rhonda Houghton as elementary paraprofessional at the conclusion of the 2023-2024 school year. Carrie Williams made a motion to accept the retirement as presented. Kerri Jensen seconded. Carried 7-0.

The board would like to commend the MS Football Coaching team for their conduct at a recent game.

7:09 p.m. Meeting adjourned.

Carrie Oakes                                 Casey Eaton
Clerk/Board of Education              President/Board of Education